Cincinnati Unveils Riverfront Attraction With A Celebration

Phase 1 Of 45-Acre Smale Park Opens To Public

The first phase of the 45-acre
Smale Park
was opened to the public Friday, and it brought some bright lights to Cincinnati's riverfront.

Soothing to the ear and eye, the little slice of peace and tranquility is sandwiched in between the stadiums and so close to the riverboats that anyone will feel that they're along for the ride.

"This is great. It's beautiful. I'm so happy to see it," said downtown resident Kati Bakes.

Organizers said Phase 1 of the riverfront park is finished with fountains and walkways, a stage for summer concerts and a bike trail.

"(The bike trail) is nice, very pretty with the water running," said bicyclist Jensin Wallace.

"If you want to come down and get wet, cool off, and if you want some serenity, if you want to relax, you have the labyrinth. This is the whole nine yards," said Willie Carden, director of Cincinnati Parks.

"I think it's really pretty," said park visitor Darrell McKenzie.

Officials said the price tag on the first stage of the park was $30 million, which visitors said is money well spent.

"I think it's so long overdue, this city, and I think it's worth every dime of what they've done," said park visitor Elaine Wolfe.

Officials said $20 million was donated by John Smale as a tribute to his wife, Phyllis, who raised funds for green space around the city. Both have since passed away, and the park has become part of their legacy.

"We did it with discipline and conviction, and I just hope he's smiling down on us," Carden said. "We're showing the world something. Come to greater Cincinnati -- Cincinnati, Newport, Covington. It's where you should be."

Officials said there are two more phases yet to come, and the additions will include playgrounds, baseball diamonds, a double-decker carousel and a farmer's market.

Officials said the total price tag is $120 million, but the city will have some time to come up with it because the park in its entirety will not be done until the summer of 2017.

Copyright 2012 by WLWT.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.